AFTER guiding the women's volleyball team to victory at the just ended Africa World Championship pre-qualifiers at Moi, Kasarani on Tuesday, David Lung'aho has his eyes set on the next month's Africa Cup of Nations in Nairobi.

Lung'aho admitted he has a packed calendar with the Africa Cup of Nations just around the corner and the World Championship qualifiers in December.

He said it's going to be tough and demanding schedule for the players especially in the next few weeks as they prepare for the two events.

The tactician , however, exuded confidence that with the support of the Kenya Volleyball Federation (KVF), they are bound to go places.

"The players are always ready when they are called up for the national team assignments and with KVF support, I expects to excel," he said.

Lunga'ho said the players who turned up for the Africa World Championship pre- qualifiers will break only for only a week before resuming training.

He said he will pick a provisional team of 24 players before cutting it down to final 12 for the Africa Cup of Nation tournament.

Meanwhile, the national women's volleyball team captain, Braxidice Agala yesterday said the blending of youth and experience in the national squad had worked for Kenya in just concluded championships.

The skipper said the inclusion of upcoming players among them--Gaudencia Makokha, Violet Makuto and Esther Wangeci--made all the difference especially in the final match against Egypt.

Speaking after the just ended Africa World Championship pre-qualifiers at the Moi, Kasarani where Kenya won the title after beating perennial Egypt, Agala said the move to include the youngsters was key not only for motivational purposes but also for exposure. She said the move will also ensure seasoned players wake up from the comfort zones with the youngsters breathing hard on their backs.

"Coach Lunga'ho did well to bring in the upcoming players as this will serve as a wake-up call for some of us veterans. It is a clear signal that we have to work hard if we are to remain relevant," he said. Agala said it felt good to see upcoming players prove that what seasoned players can do, they can do even better.

She said veteran players can now rest assured that there are people to take volleyball to the next level incase they exit.

Elsewhere, left-handed attacker Violet Makuto has applauded David Lung'aho for having faith in her after according her a slot in the first team. Makuto said she is happy to have played her first international matches alongside her sister Evelyn Makuto.

"It so humbling that the coach had faith in me and the fact that this is my first international match having cleared school recently. This assures me that with discipline and hard work, sky will is limit."

She added: "It feels good to play in the same team with my sister (Everlyne), and having fans shout your name when they rarely know you. It's just amazing."